Matthijs De Ligt Undergoes Surgery, Set for 26-27 Return

TL;DR

Matthijs De Ligt underwent successful surgery for a back injury and is expected to return for the 2026-27 season. He will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup but aims to play for Manchester United soon.

Key points

Matthijs De Ligt underwent successful surgery for a back injury
Expected return for the 2026-27 season
Misses the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Joined Manchester United in summer 2024 for €45 million
Made 56 appearances for United since joining

Mentioned in this story

Matthijs De LigtManchester UnitedBayern Munich

2026 FIFA World Cup

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) Manchester United released the news that defender Matthijs De Ligt underwent a successful operation to address a back injury that had kept him out of action since November. The Dutch international defender became an important member of the backline at the start of the campaign, but saw his season derailed by a back issue. There was plenty of skepticism with little information about De Ligt’s possible return under interim manager Michael Carrick. No clear return was ever set, but now the club has stated that he is expected to be fit for action early on in the 2026-27 campaign. “Since November, I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football,” De Ligt said in a club press release. “I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.” The 26-year-old will unfortunately, miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but news of his return is nonetheless welcome after a long period with no updates. De Ligt joined United in the summer of 2024 from Bayern Munich for a fee of around €45 million with potential future add-ons. He’s been heavily involved when fit, making 56 appearances in all competitions since joining, including 13 Premier League starts before going down for the year in November.

Q&A

When is Matthijs De Ligt expected to return to play?

Matthijs De Ligt is expected to be fit for action early in the 2026-27 campaign.

What injury did Matthijs De Ligt have surgery for?

Matthijs De Ligt underwent surgery to address a back injury that had sidelined him since November.

Will Matthijs De Ligt participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

No, Matthijs De Ligt will unfortunately miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to his injury.